Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate declined three tenths of a percentage point (0.3) in April to 5.4 percent and
was four tenths of a percentage point (0.4) below the April 2011 rate.

The number of Virginians receiving a regular unemployment benefit payment was 49,748 in April
2012, which was down from 61,237 in March 2012 and down from 55,412 in April 2011.

Cumulative initial claims for April 2012 totaled 28,107, compared to 28,851 in March 2012 and 32,845 in April 2011.

Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 23,400 jobs in April to 3.72 million jobs.

From March to April, eight major industry divisions experienced employment gains, two experienced employment
losses, and mining employment was unchanged.

The leisure and hospitality industry again experienced the largest job gain. Springtime events, tours, and staffing at theme parks and recreational
facilities boosted employment by 13,600 jobs to 355,300.